Mexican consulate highlights contributions of immigrant workers in U.S.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- As Labor Day approaches the Mexican consulate in Tucson hopes to highlight the economic contributions in the U.S. of workers from south of the border.

Just days ahead of Labor Day, government leaders from the U.S. And Mexico came together Wednesday to recognize and celebrate workers in this state regardless of nationality.

"This meeting is a continuation of an initiative through the Secretary of Labor to promote Labor Rights Week," said Eric Murray from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The agreement, a part of Labor Rights Week, is a joint effort between the Mexican embassy and the U.S. Department of Labor.

The signing seeks to denounce hatred, prejudice and phobias against the immigrant community.

"What this agreement does is formalizes a relationship between the consulates and the Department of Labor with the goal of assuring any worker regardless of status nationality that if they work in the United States they should be paid in accordance with federal laws," said Murray.

The Mexican government has stepped up preventive measures to demand the full respect for Mexican workers rights, regardless of their immigration status.

"This will enhance our relationship that we have had for many years," said Mexican Consulate Victor Manuel Trevino Escudero.

"This is about any worker who works in the United States whether they're U.S. workers or immigrant workers, its all workers," said Murray